Request a Same Day Telephone Consultation
Sherman Oaks, CA
Tel: 818-849-5206
Tel: 323-655-1002
E-mail:
Home About Us
Areas of Practice
Business TransactionsCorporationsCalifornia LLCCalifornia PartnershipsEmployment LawReal Estate LawLandlord - Tenant Evictions
Articles Business TransactionsCorporationsEmployment LawInternet-Computer LawLandlord-TenantLimited Liability CompanyPartnershipsReal Estate Law
TestimonialsClient AlertsUseful LinksContact Us
Limited Liability Company:
$129* Tel. Consult
CA LLC: $1,299+Costs*
S-Corp or LLC?
LLC or Trust?
Real Estate LLC
How to Form an LLC
LLC FAQs
LLC Operating Agt
LLC Operating Agt FAQs
LLC Tax
LLC Compliance Plan: $399
LLC Suspended? Revive It.
Dissolve an LLC
Change LLC Name
Get Good Standing Certificate
Get Tax ID Number (EIN)
Get a DBA
Get a Seller's Permit
Set Up Payroll
Statement Of Information
Related Practice Areas:Business TransactionsCorporationsEmployment LawInternet-Computer LawLandlord-TenantPartnershipsReal Estate Law
Prepared By: Melissa C. Marsh, Los Angeles Business And LLC Attorney
Written: March 2009
There are many tax reasons to support the choice of a California corporation over a California limited liability company (LLC), when the entity selected will be operating a business.
Gross Receipts Tax
The first primary reason why a California LLC is used in real estate, but not to operate a business is that in addition to the annual $800 minimum franchise tax fee imposed on every California corporation and every California limited liability company, the State of California imposes a second "Gross Receipts Tax" on every California LLC, but not on any California corporation. That's right, in California a corproation's franchise tax is based on its Net Revenues, but a California LLC's franchise tax is based on its gross revenues. The gross receipts tax on a California limited liability company is as follows:
| LLC Fee | California "Total Income" |
|---|---|
| $900. | $250,000 or more, but less than $500,000 |
| $2,500. | $500,000 or more, but less than $1,000,000 |
| $6,000 | $1,000,000 or more, but less than $5,000,000 |
| $11,790 | $5,000,000 or more |
Since most businesses need to generate at least $250,000 in gross receipts just to break even, the California LLC will have to pay a higher franchise tax than a California corporation, even if the LLC is operating at a real loss. By contrast, no California corporation is subject to a gross receipts tax. Like most other forms of businesses (sole proprietorships, partnerships, trusts), a California corporation only pays tax on its net taxable income (with the exception of California's state minimum franchise tax of $800 which is applied toward the taxes owed).
Increased Self-Employment Tax
The second reason why a California LLC should not be used to operate a business is the increased self-employment tax each of the members will pay. A California LLC is treated either as a disregarded entity (sole proprietorship) when it has a single member or as a partnership if it has two or more members, unless it elects to be treated differently. Net income generated by any business conducted by the LLC is consequently treated as self-employment income and taxed at 15.3% for FICA in addition to the ordinary federal and state income taxes. By contrast, the shareholders of a California corporation do not pay any self-employment tax; they only pay a 15% capital gains tax on profit distributions. The California S- Corporation only pays 7.65% employment taxes on the declared salaries of its officers and employees. Typically a California S- corporation will provide its shareholder-employees with a reasonable salary from which employment taxes are paid and the balance of any profits via a dividend which is not subject to income or payroll taxes, but merely the 15% capital gains rate.
Potential For Higher Income Tax
The Third reason why a California LLC should not be used to operate a business is the high probability that the LLC members will have to pay income taxes on money they never actually received. If the LLC uses some its profit to build inventory, or to acquire assets, the members will be required to pay self-employment tax on the value of the inventory even though they never received a dime.
Due to the multitude of tax disadvantages that burden the California LLC, it is a very expensive means to operate a business. It is therefore typically in the owners best interest to form a corporation, rather than a LLC, unless the entity is being formed to hold real estate.
If you would like to retain the services of Melissa C. Marsh to form and organize a California corporation or California LLC, please call 818-849-5206 or Send us an Email.
© 2009 Melissa C. Marsh. All Rights Reserved.
If you would like to inquire about my services, please call 818-849-5206.
Disclaimer: The information presented on this web site was prepared by Melissa C. Marsh for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. The information provided in my articles and alerts should not be relied upon, or used as a substitute for professional legal advice from an attorney you retain to advise or represent you. Your use of this Internet site does not create an attorney-client relationship. Transmission of this article is not intended to create, and receipt of it does not constitute, an attorney-client relationship. All uses of the contents of this site, other than personal uses, are prohibited. You may print or email a copy of any information posted on this web site for your own personal, non-commercial, use, but you may not publish any of the articles or posts on this web site without the Express Written Permission of Melissa C. Marsh.
Home | Request a Consultation | Practice Areas | Articles | Client Alerts | Testimonials | Terms of Use | Privacy Policy | Contact Us | Site Map
Copyright© 1998 - 2024, Melissa C. Marsh. All Rights Reserved.
Website Design By DK Web Design
Catering By Devon Eats
Located in Los Angeles, California, the Law Office of Melissa C. Marsh handles business law and corporation law matters as a lawyer for clients throughout Los Angeles including Burbank, Sherman Oaks, Studio City, Valley Village, North Hollywood, Woodland Hills, Hollywood, West LA as well as Riverside County, San Fernando, Ventura County, and Santa Clarita. Attorney Melissa C. Marsh has considerable experience handling business matters both nationally and internationally. We routinely assist our clients with incorporation, forming a California corporation, forming a California llc, partnership, annual minutes, shareholder meetings, director meetings, getting a taxpayer ID number (EIN), buying a business, selling a business, commercial lease review, employee disputes, independent contractors, construction, and personal matters such as preparing a will, living trust, power of attorney, health care directive, and more.
